US8251891B2 - Totally wireless electronically embedded action-ended endoscope utilizing differential directional illumination with digitally controlled mirrors and/or prisms - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a body having a proximal end, which is hand manipulated, and a distal end which includes a manipulator. A light emitting device is centrally disposed at the distal end. An imaging device is centrally disposed at the distal end for imaging at least a portion of the region illuminated by the light emitting device. Also disclosed is a tool for extracting an artificial lumbar disc from between a pair of vertebral plates. The extraction tool includes a handle, a member for transmitting force, and a sharpened end, specially configured to be placed between the artificial disc and the vertebral plate. Further disclosed is a tool for implanting or explanting a ball to or from an artificial lumbar disc. The implanter/explanter includes a pinion shaft and a pinion shaft enclosure. A tightening knob is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft enclosure and coupled to the pinion shaft. A pinion is disposed at the distal end of the pinion shaft. A grappling device is disposed at the pinion, and it includes a pair of semi-circular rings. When the pinion is rotated, the semi-circular rings move relative to one another and are capable of grasping or releasing the ball.

Description

This application is continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 10/964,633, filed on Oct. 15, 2004 (abandoned Aug. 10, 2007), which claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. §119 (e) of U.S. provisional application 60/578,319 filed on Jun. 10, 2004; 60/573,346 filed on May 24, 2004; 60/572,468 filed on May 20, 2004; 60/570,837 filed on May 14, 2004; and 60/570,098 filed on May 12, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The history of artificial disc placements in the entire human spine, and in particular the lumbar spine has been thoroughly reviewed in Applicants' patent application Ser. No. 10/964,633, filed on Oct. 15, 2004 (abandoned Aug. 10, 2007), patent application Ser. No. 11/487,415, filed Jul. 17, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,766, issued on Dec. 21, 2010), and in Applicants' issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,650. In the ‘650 patent, Applicants’ described the surgical posterior unilateral placement of an artificial lumbar disc. Prior to its surgical placement into a disc space, a complete unilateral discectomy (removal of disc material) must be performed to denude the opposing vertebral body endplates to ensure that the spikes of the artificial disc plates can penetrate the vertebral bodies, and that the disc material is freed from the disc space to allow unencumbered disc motion, and prevention of recurrent disc herniations.

During surgical placement of anterior artificial lumbar discs, visualization of the disc space is not a technical problem because the entire diameter and depth of the disc space can be exposed anteriorly with adequate visualization needed to accomplish surgical disc denudement. This is not as easily accomplished through the unilateral posterior discectomy, where visualization is limited to the side of unilateral implantation, and the middle and contralateral disc can not be visualized completely without causing undue retraction of the lumbar nerve root, and even then, full visualization is not adequately achieved.

To remedy this problem, we disclosed in the '650 patent a wired action-ended pituitary rongeur endoscope with centralized illumination emanating between upper and lower pituitary forceps. The advantage of that design was that it could more easily be placed in the small disc space and provide centralized illumination, neither of which is available in another wired action-ended endoscope design described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,472 (Finn et al.), “Surgical instrument and method for use with a viewing system”, issued Sep. 16, 1997. In that design the illumination is provided by a tube lateral to the instrument inside the disc space which might endanger the nerve root by over-retraction, and would provide poorer illumination by not focusing on the center of field of vision.

In the present patent application we describe an enhanced design of action-ended endoscopes without encumbrance of wired attachments, and also including a self-contained mounted viewing screen. In totality this design enhances surgical efficiency with respect to operating room time, ergonomics, and financial investment.

To our knowledge, this is the first action-ended endoscope which can function with the complete absence of wires by utilizing a novel induction coil converter converting low voltage power to transient high-powered sparks to initiate gas breakdown of xenon and other molecules, outputting high illumination thereby achieving luminescence equal to wired xenon systems. Another entirely novel aspect of this endoscope is an embodiment which can differentially direct light output in multiple radial and linear directions with digitally controlled reflectors. It can also be easily adapted with lasers to use as a routine laser surgical tool in addition to illumination, forceps grapping, and video display. Furthermore images can be wirelessly transmitted to a mounted self-contained system viewing screen. In addition, it has the capacity to wirelessly transmit images to routine stationary screens, customized work stations, as well as to palm pilots and mobile phones. A further novel application is the ability to manually or electronically control the end manipulator forceps so that it can work as a straight, up or down biter pituitary rongeur combining three types of instruments into one. These modifications with all the above mentioned functions contained within a single action ended-device are entirely unique to endoscopic design to date.

The present invention minimizes operating room clutter associated with routine endoscopic/laser equipment, has a self contained imaging screen, as well as optional therapeutic laser capacities. These functions allow operations to be performed in any sized operating room or military field, thus significantly reducing capital investment, and enhancing surgical and ergonomic efficiency. It also allows surgeries to be performed in places where there might not be any available electrical outlets or electricity or other power sources.

Additional inventions presented here are uniquely related to the design of our lumbar artificial disc design described in application Ser. No. 11/487,415, filed Jul. 17, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,766, issued on Dec. 21, 2010). These inventions include an instrument which allows easy placement and removal of our lumbar disc ball between upper and lower disc plates, and a disc plate extractor which can extract the device if necessary. There are further modifications of the disc plates including rescue plates with longer spikes, and/or increased plate diameters, akin to rescue screws used for spinal fusion. If a plate falls out under harsh conditions because the spikes are too short, the plate can be rescued with longer/wider spikes or increased width and or ball diameter.

The history of endoscopy, and neuroendoscopy in particular is thoroughly reviewed in “Intracranial endoscopic Neurosurgery”, Editor, David F. Jimenez, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1998.

Recent devices to further enhance endoscopic functions include a device which rotates images using an image sensor to act like a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers, U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,258, B2, (Chatenever et al.) “Image orientation for endoscopic video displays”, issued May 2, 2006. A remote surgical support system has been described wherein the state of the surgical instrument and the patient data can be checked in remote control rooms, U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,671 B2, (Uchikubo), “Remote Surgery support system”, issued Oct. 18, 2005. Neither of these devices are wireless, or are incorporated into distal action instruments. Neither, do they incorporate any of the advanced technology and wireless transmission of images, or enable differential directional illumination as does our invention.

Another wireless video system entails an in-vivo camera system which is swallowed by the patient, captures and then transmits images of the gastrointestinal tract thereby functioning as an autonomous video endoscope. (See U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,308 B2 (Frisch et al.), “Array system and method for locating an in vivo signal source”, issued Jun. 7, 2005). The patient must wear an antenna array with two antennas. The signals received by the two antennas derive an estimated coordinate set from the signal strength measurements. This innovative device functions specifically as an imaging/camera device. The patient must wear an electrode array to capture the signals over his/her abdomen. It is not designed, nor intended to be a combined surgical tool which performs surgical tool functions e.g. tissue grabbing, suction, cutting etc, which significantly distinguishes it from our invention.

Two more recent patents incorporating wireless technology include U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,615, (Banik et al.), “Robotic endoscope with wireless interface Aug. 29 2006), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,904 B2, (Adair et al.), “Reduced area imaging device incorporated within wireless endoscopic devices” Apr. 18 2006. Neither of these patents incorporates action-ended instruments or have a self-contained screen imaging system. Furthermore they are purely used for illumination/video, and they do not exploit our innovative technology of an induction coil thermoelectric converter to enhance wireless xenon light. They do not use controlled directional deflectors to modulate light intensity and direction. They do not have laser surgical tool capacities. They are not capable of wireless transmission to palm pilots, or cell phones.

The inventions described herein have great import not only to anterior and posterior spinal endoscopy, but can be modified and used for diagnostic and therapeutic uses in every endoscopic related field including brain, otolaryngological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and urological endoscopy, as well as arthroscopic joint surgery including shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, to name but a few. The multifunctional capacities compressed into a single wireless instrument enabling tissue illumination, tissue manipulation, and therapeutic laser directed treatment with a wireless, self-contained mounted viewing screen would also have profound advantages in the fields of military, emergency, ambulatory, and aerospace medicine in areas and situations where sources of electricity are not guaranteed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the totally wireless electronically embedded action ended (TWEEAE) endoscope.

FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged view of the on board electronics panel located on the medial manipulator lever of the TWEEAE endoscope.

FIG. 2B illustrates the on board electronics panel with optical output dimmer.

FIG. 3A illustrates a three-dimensional longitudinal section view of the Laser and visible light source with cooling apparatus and battery compartment of the TWEEAE endoscope. Illustrated below is an insert of a miniaturized illustration of the endoscope (100), and the designated localization of the above longitudinal section within the encased relative proximal end of the endoscope.

FIG. 3B illustrates the spark (inductor) voltage generator.

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional longitudinal sectional view of the spreading pattern for visible and laser light in the more distal body of the TWEEAE endoscope. Illustrated below is an insert of a miniaturized illustration of the endoscope (100), and the designated localization of the above longitudinal section within the encased more distal end of the endoscope.

FIG. 5A illustrates a three-dimensional longitudinal sectional cross sectional view of the fixtures at optical output of the TWEEAE endoscope. Illustrated below is an insert of a miniaturized illustration of the endoscope (100), and the designated localization of the above longitudinal section within the encased distal end of the endoscope.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of guide fibers exiting at action end of the TWEEAE endoscope exhibiting geometric arrangement of beams output. Illustrated below is an insert of a miniaturized illustration of the endoscope (100), and the designated localization of the above cross-sectional view within the encased distal end of the endoscope.

FIG. 6A illustrates the TWEEAE endoscope on-board view of video or ultrasound capture at action-end.

FIG. 6B illustrates examples of various positions assumable by system monitor and data display.

FIG. 7A illustrates the computer architecture of the TWEEAE endoscope electronics.

FIG. 7B illustrates an array of contemporary devices which can be made capable of receiving video transmissions via digital radiofrequency data packets.

FIG. 7C illustrates the air interface.

FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional orthonormal view of adjustable jaw of biter at action end of TWEEAE endoscope (inner fiber light guide absent).

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of superior jaw position selector of the TWEEAE endoscope.

FIG. 8C illustrates a cut-away cross sectional view of the action end of the TWEEAE endoscope (inner fiber guide light present).

FIG. 8D illustrates a full perspective view of the TWEEAE endoscope end-manipulator with arbitrary angle superior jaw mechanism.

FIG. 8E illustrates the full perspective view of the TWEEAE end-effector with demonstration of laser wave front directed through midsection. Also note the area where image or video capture lenses would be positioned (lenses not drawn).

FIG. 9 illustrates a standard lumbar disc plate (A) and rescue plates with larger spikes (B) or thicker plates (C).

FIG. 10 illustrates a disc plate extractor.

FIG. 11A illustrates an overall view of a disc ball implanter/extractor.

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross sectional enlargement of the disc ball extractor handle.

FIG. 11C illustrates an enlargement of the disc ball extractor grappler.

FIG. 11D illustrates an enlarged view of the grappler in opened position.

FIG. 11E illustrates the grappler in closed position.

FIG. 11F illustrates the grappler in closed position with disc ball.

FIG. 12A represents an endoscope variant of the present invention inserted unilaterally into the disc space to inspect the disc space circumferentially;

FIG. 12B represents a specifically designed pituitary rongeur endoscopic attachment with a light source emanating from the junction of the adjoining dorsal and ventral cup forceps. This significantly aids in performing a complete circumferential discectomy necessary for adequate prosthesis implantation.

FIG. 12C illustrates a right-angled ratchet driver integrated into an endoscope to assist in visualization of screws beneath the caudal aspect of the spinal cord or thecal sac, if necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Medical Device

FIG. 1 illustrates a prospective view of the TWEEAE endoscope havingdigital inserts111. This figure demonstrates the medial anddistal manipulators101,102 which control the opening and closing of the pituitaryforceps end manipulator103. Also illustrated is an onboard electronics panel104 located on thelever105 of themedial manipulator101. Theelectronics panel104 preferably includes systemremovable memory114. Located on the proximal portion of theendoscopic body112 is the laser and visible light source withcooling apparatus106 and battery, light,laser compartment107. Located distal to thiscomponent107 is the mountedsystem viewing screen110. TheTWEEAE endoscope100 preferably includes an adjustable manipulator angle ofattack113. We will now describe the electrical and mechanical functioning of theTWEEAE100.

FIG. 2A illustrates an enlargement of the onboard electronics panel114. In order to power up the instrument to initiate usage, the power On-Off button201, the first button on the right, is depressed once. To turn off or power down, thisbutton201 is depressed once again.

In order to initiate or terminate wireless transmission of secure video and or data, thesecond button202 which is immediately adjacent to the power on/offbutton201, with a closed padlock icon is depressed. This information can be transmitted to the mountedsystem viewing screen110, to remote unconnected devices such as a mobile phone, palm pilot, personal digital assistant (PDA), or hospital monitors and PCs. This transmission can either be broadcast, and password accessed, in any of the above receivers, or it can be communicated ad-hoc node to node with a remote device.

FIG. 12A illustrates an endoscope variant of the present invention having anendoscope1202 and amonitor1204 that specifically looks into a disc space1206 (discoscope) to verify an adequate circumferential discectomy.

As shown inFIG. 12A, themonitor1204 is coupled to thehandheld endoscope1202.

FIG. 12B illustrates a specifically lightweight design pituitary rongeur endoscopic1208 attachment, which can also be used to assist in complete and adequate discectomy for prosthesis implantation. A specifically designed right-angled screw ratcheterendoscopic attachment1210 can be used to aid in visualization and ratcheting of screws if partially hidden by the spinal cord or thecal sac as inFIG. 12C.

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 12A, themonitor1204 itself is coupled to thewireless handheld endoscope1202, instead of a wired arrangement, as shown inFIGS. 12B and 12C.

With reference again toFIG. 2A, to transmit non-secure data i.e. open data, thethird button203 with an open padlock icon is depressed. To initiate or terminate saving of video or data into re-removable/re-readable memory drives e.g. micro secure digital thefourth button204 with a floppy disc icon is depressed. The buttons201-204 are housed inelectronics panel104.Slots205 are for removable,rereadable memory drive114, such as micro-secure digital.

Distal to the four control buttons201-204 are threeslots205 for inserting and removingmicro-secure memory cartridges114. Slots205A, B and C are identical slots with the capacity for data storage of contemporary maximum micro-sd capacity. Having threeslots205 multiplies this capacity threefold.

FIG. 2B illustrates the onboard electronics panel104 withoptical output dimmer207. Turning the opticaloutput dimming knob207 will dim or brighten the optical output.

FIG. 3A is an enlargement of the laser and visible light source withcooling apparatus106 andbattery compartment107. Once thepower button201 is depressed this closes a switch between the battery, and both the induction coil within the Magneto and the embedded electronics, on theelectronics control panel104.FIG. 3B illustrates the induction coil311 (spark voltage generator indicated inFIG. 3A) which generates a high voltage pulse that is used to initiate the ionization of gas molecules inside the gas (xenon)bulb301 which generates high luminosity white light that is transmitted the fiber optic wave guide. Illustrated inFIG. 3B are thecoil311 andelectrodes312. There may also be a helicallywound coolant tube308, a helical arrangement of thermoelectric conversion units and high efficiencyphotovoltaic cells305, a hybrid hydrogen chemicalpotential cell306 and an area containing spark (inductor) voltage generator andminiaturized magneto circuitry307. The fiberoptic wave guide302 may include acore303 andcladding304. Alternatively, the gas (xenon) bulb can be a solid state light source. This light then is transmitted through the fiberoptic wave guide302 enclosed in theendoscopic body112, and is ultimately emanated distally at the end manipulator as optical output.

Alternative embodiments may include a solid state light source i.e. a diode light source as well as a laser source e.g. VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser), or a quantum cascade laser, a terahertz source, or a yttrium energy source. These embodiments can be used for therapeutic surgical laser treatment of tissues, (not merely illumination) as well as for tissue scanning.

To constantly energize the power battery sourceFIG. 3 illustrates a helical arrangement of thermoelectric conversion units and high efficiencyphotovoltaic cells305 which recaptures heat and light (photonic) energy, respectively which is fed back to a recharge mechanism (not shown). Adjacent to theaforementioned cells305 is a helicallywound coolant tube308 with liquid flow propelled by a combination of the battery and an electro osmotic unit (not illustrated). A hydrogen cell is ideally suited for this design as it requires constant flow of protons. This cell can be combined with a standard chemical cell for increased power capacity and reliability. This is denoted as a hybrid hydrogen chemical potential cell (Battery)306.

FIGS. 4, and5A and5B illustrate the spreading and beam guiding patterns for visible and laser light at the more distal end of theendoscope100 close to theend manipulator103.FIG. 4 illustrates the light or laser beam hereafter referred to as the “wave front”404 entering thebeam splitting section405 which is composed of a three dimensional array of mirrors used to split and redirect the wave front. Illustrated is abeam splitting mirror401 and a beam directed coated backmirror402 which directs the wave front to one of twenty-five interior or exterioroptical fibers403a,403b. Theinterior fibers403apreferentially transmit a laser light or radiation, but are also capable of transmitting visible light. Theexterior fibers403bpreferentially transmit visible light but are capable of transmitting laser light or radiation. Whether or not the laser source or visible light source is transmitted can be programmed or controlled with additional electronics (not illustrated).

FIG. 5A illustrates the path of light distal to that illustrated inFIG. 4. We see theexterior fibers403bwhich transmit visible light in this depiction. Each of theseexterior cables403bterminates within individual ellipticalsemi-enclosed directive reflectors501. Thesereflectors501 which can be positioned electronically have the ability to form a beam of visible light unto an arbitrary direction.

The Risley prisms orsemi-coated mirrors502 can be used as shown at the terminals of theinterior fibers403ato direct a coherent beam of laser light or radiation. Also illustrated are prism or mirroraxial inserts503 that can be electronically rotated to obtain the desired beam direction.

FIG. 5B is an en-face cross sectional image of theguide fibers403a,403bexiting at action end of endoscope exhibiting geometric arrangement of beams output. Illustrated areexterior fibers403b(exaggerated cross sectional thickness) transmitting visible light (preferred) or laser light radiation with their respective surrounding electronically controlled elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors. Illustrated centrally areinterior fibers403atransmitting laser light or radiation (preferred) or visible light.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the endoscope on-board view of video or ultrasound capture at the action end of the endoscope. Illustrated is themonitor601 andvideo processing housing602 which can be rotated and hinged about the connectingring604 that can also allow automatic (gyroscopically based repositioning) or manual repositioning. Themonitor601 andvideo processing housing602 consists of both monitor601 and display which can be LCD and an alphanumeric or waveform data display603. The processing components can include application specific or standard integrated circuits with programmable video and image processing algorithms and protocols such as image enhancement through filtering or through multiple image combinations. Data is transmitted from either CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (complimentary metal oxide silicon) cameras that are fed straight to this unit (not shown) as well as to theelectronic control panel104.

FIG. 6B illustrates examples of various positioning assumable by the system monitor601 anddata display603.

FIG. 7A represents the computer architecture of the TWEEAE electronics.FIG. 7B represents a listing of possible devices that will be made ready to receive the endoscopes transmissions.FIG. 7C illustrates a cloud and lightening icon which represents anair interface701 of RF (radiofrequency) communication between theTWEEAE endoscope100 and those devices listed in7B.

InFIG. 7A thecentral processing unit720 initially reacts to theuser interface721 while also interacting with the power, video and illumination micro-controllers722-724. Thepower micro-controller722 is programmed to facilitate re-charging and charge control of the battery power system. Theillumination micro-controller724 is utilized to control light intensity, mirror positioning, lasing frequencies, and reports power requirements to theCPU720. Thevideo microcontroller723 interfaces with the signal processing integrated circuits as well as the transmitter and flash memory. Theillumination microcontroller723 additionally connects to the bulb which connects to the fiberoptic guide wire302.

FIG. 7B lists an array of contemporary devices which can be made capable of receiving video transmissions via digital RF data packets. These devices include hand heldunits702,e.g. palm pilot703,mobile phone704, blue tooth enableddevices705, embeddeddevices706; settop boxes707 that connect totelevisions708 orcomputers709; andcustom devices710 e.g. ahospital screen711,custom phone712 and custom computers.

FIGS. 8A-E illustrate the adjustable jaw of biter at action end of endoscope.

FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional orthonormal view demonstrating the mechanism of angling and positioning of the superior andinferior jaws801,802 to become a regular straight, up or down biter. The mechanism is initiated by rotation ofpinion803 for superiorjaw position selector804. In turn the superiorjaw position selector804 rotates the action end ofsuperior jaw801 about thepivot axis805 of jaws. There is also a superiorjaw gear pivot806 and aninferior jaw pivot807. Thepinion803 for pinionjaw position selector804 is controlled either manually or electronically by a stepper motor (not shown). The action end ofinferior jaw802 is free in this embodiment to clamp matter against the action end ofsuperior jaw801. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, an inferior jaw position selector can be incorporated to have theinferior jaw802 fixed and thesuperior jaw801 free. Not illustrated are the fiber light guides.

FIG. 8B illustrates the perspective view of superiorjaw position selector804. Illustrated are the right pinion contact spurs813 and left pinion contact spurs810 which rotate theselector804 due to the aforementioned action of thepinion803. The right and leftcontacts811,812 with the superior jaw gear pivots serve to adjust the superior jaw angle of attack and lock it in its place. The left toright disc bridge814 connects the left and right sides of thisselector804 while allowing free space for uncompromised passage of light fibers.

FIG. 8C illustrates a cut-away cross sectional view of action end ofendoscope100. This figure illustrates how theinterior fibers403atransmit laser light or radiation (preferred) or visible light through the mid-plane of the gear mesh.

FIG. 8D illustrates a full perspective view of end-effector manipulator with arbitrary angle superior jaw mechanism. This illustrates atransparent midsection810 of jaws constructed from glass or polymer. In addition it illustrates three-dimensional views of thepinion803 for superiorjaw position selector804, the superiorjaw position selector804, and the action ends of both the inferior andsuperior jaws801,802.

FIG. 8E in addition illustrates the imaginary expected path of laser light or radiation (preferred) or visible light (815) emanating frominterior fibers403athroughend manipulator103.Reference numeral820 shows the area where image or video capture lenses (not shown) would be positioned in the body.

FIG. 9 illustrates the concept of rescue plates. If a standardlumbar disc plate900A falls out, it can be replaced with aplate900B with longer (or wider) spikes901 or with a wider/thicker plate900C.

FIG. 10 illustrates a lumbardisc plate extractor1000. If for some reason the lumbarartificial disc1004 must be removed in order to perform a fusion or to change plate sizes, thisplate extractor1000 can be inserted between theplate1004 and the vertebral body. Illustrated are the sharpenedend point1001, thetorque handle1002 and the force transmitter1003.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a disc ball implanter/explantor1100. The instrument1100 is composed of a tighteningknob1101 which rotates a pinion shaft key1106 attached to apinion shaft1107 which then opens and closes, i.e. releases or grabs thedisc ball1108 with enclosing semi circles grapplers1105. Apinion shaft enclosure1102 enclosespinion shaft1107.FIG. 11B is an enlargement cross sectional view of the discball extractor handle1103.

FIG. 11C is an enlargement of the discball extractor grappler1105. This demonstrates the interface of theleft enclosing semicircle1111 and right enclosing semi-circle1112 with thedisc ball1108. Also demonstrated is thepinion1114, as well as thedisc plate1004 in the background.

FIG. 11D illustrates thegrappler1105 in an opened position. Centrally illustrated is thepinion1114 inter-digitating with the leftsemi-circle spur rack1112aand the rightsemi-circle spur rack1111a.

FIG. 11E illustrates thegrappler1105 in closed position. Note how thesemicircles1111,1112 have moved away from each other by reversing inter-digitating directions along thepinion1114.

FIG. 11F illustrates the same image of9E with aball1108 inside, demonstrating how it is grasped.

The inventions described herein further enhance the capacity to implant and explant posteriorly placed artificial discs. The unique totally wireless electronically embedded action ended endoscope herein described has the capacity to revolutionize and simplify the current practice of endoscopy in lumbar spinal surgery as well as all spheres of surgical and medical subspecialties utilizing endoscopy. It is also uniquely adapted for the military surgical field, and emergency, ambulatory and aerospace medical technology.

Claims (60)

1. A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device, comprising:

a tool including:

a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, the tool body having a longitudinal axis,

a fixedly-attached hand-operated manipulator at the proximal end of the tool body, and

a fixedly-attached manipulator tool at the distal end of the tool body, the manipulator tool responsive to an operation of the hand-operated manipulator;

a light emitting device having a light generator disposed in the tool body at the proximal end, the light emitting device configured to emit light, which is generated by the light generator, at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the light emitting device disposed in the tool body;

an imaging device configured to capture images at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the imaging device disposed in the tool body; and

a display disposed along the tool body at a distance from the proximal end,

wherein the display is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tool body and hinged with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool body.

2. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising:

an electronics unit that controls the light emitting device and the imaging device.

3. The medical device according toclaim 2 further comprising:

a device for transferring data or video from the endoscopic medical device.

4. The medical device according toclaim 3 further comprising:

at least a data transfer device including one of a wireless connection, a wired connection, an optical connection, and a removable memory device.

5. The medical device according toclaim 2 wherein the electronics unit includes at least one control including one of an on-off control, a dimmer control, a control for initiating or terminating the transfer of data, and a control for initiating or terminating the saving of data.

6. The medical device according toclaim 5 wherein the electronics unit includes a memory device for saving data.

7. The medical device according toclaim 6 wherein the memory device is a solid state memory device and the electronics control unit includes at least one slot for the solid state memory device.

8. The medical device according toclaim 6 wherein the memory device is a memory drive.

9. The medical device according toclaim 2 wherein the electronics unit includes a CPU for controlling at least one of a user interface, the imaging device, the light emitting device and a power supply.

10. The medical device according toclaim 9 wherein the electronic unit further includes at least one of an illumination microcontroller for controlling the light emitting device, a video microcontroller for controlling the imaging device, and a power microcontroller for controlling the power supply.

11. The medical device according toclaim 10 wherein the light emitting device including a bulb and fiber optic guide, and

wherein the illumination microcontroller controls the bulb and the fiber optic guide.

12. The medical device according toclaim 10, further comprising:

a flash memory and a transmitter,

wherein the video microcontroller controls the flash memory and the transmitter.

13. The medical device according toclaim 10, wherein the light emitting device includes a bulb, a laser source, and a fiber optic guide,

wherein the illumination microcontroller controls the bulb, the laser source, and the fiber optic guide.

14. The medical device according toclaim 9 further comprising:

a wireless interface for communicating data to a receiver.

15. The medical device according toclaim 9 further comprising:

a receiver responsive to the electronics unit, the receiver being capable of communicating with at least one of a handheld unit, Palm Pilot, mobile phone, Bluetooth device, embedded device, set top box, TV, computer, custom device, hospital screen and custom phone.

16. The medical device according toclaim 9, wherein the electronic unit further includes at least one of an illumination microcontroller for controlling the light emitting device and the laser device, a video microcontroller for controlling the imaging device, and a power microcontroller for controlling the power supply.

17. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising:

a battery compartment for a battery that provides power for the light emitting device and the imaging device.

18. The medical device according toclaim 1, wherein the display is an alpha numeric display.

19. The medical device according toclaim 1, wherein the display is positionable relative to the tool body of the medical device.

20. The medical device according toclaim 1 wherein the proximal end of the tool body includes a pair of digital inserts.

21. The medical device according toclaim 1 wherein an angle of the fixedly-attached manipulator tool with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool body is adjustable.

22. The medical device according toclaim 1 wherein the light emitting device is selected from a photonic or lasing emission source including one of a laser, a LED and a bulb.

23. The medical device according toclaim 1 wherein the lighting emitting device is a laser and includes a cooling apparatus having a helically wound coolant tube.

24. The medical device according toclaim 1 wherein the lighting emitting device is a gas xenon bulb.

25. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising:

a helical arrangement of thermoelectric conversion units.

26. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising: photovoltaic cells.

27. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising:

a hybrid-hydrogen chemical potential cell.

28. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising:

a spark voltage generator and magneto circuitry.

29. The medical device according toclaim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of interior optical fibers for transmitting light including one of visible light, laser light, and laser radiation, the plurality of interior optical fibers disposed in the tool body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool body.

30. The medical device according toclaim 29, further comprising:

a plurality of exterior optical fibers for transmitting light including one of visible light, laser light, and laser radiation, the plurality of exterior optical fibers extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool body.

31. The medical device according toclaim 30 further comprising:

a fiber optic wave guide.

32. The medical device according toclaim 30, wherein at least some of the plurality of exterior optical fibers or the plurality of interior optical fibers terminate at elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors, the elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors being electronically or mechanically positioned.

33. The medical device according toclaim 30, wherein at least some of the plurality of exterior optical fibers or the plurality of interior optical fibers terminate at one of Risley prisms and semi-coated mirrors which are electronically positioned.

34. The medical device according toclaim 30, wherein at least some of the exterior optical fibers or the interior optical fibers terminate at elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors, the elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors being which can be electronically or mechanically positioned.

35. The medical device according toclaim 1, wherein the display includes a connecting ring for adjusting the display.

36. The medical device according toclaim 35 wherein the display includes a gyroscopically adjustable display.

37. The medical device according toclaim 35 wherein the display includes a manually adjustable display.

38. The medical device according toclaim 35, wherein the display includes an automatically gyroscopically adjustable display device.

39. The medical device according toclaim 35, wherein the display automatically rotates about the longitudinal axis of the tool body and pivots with respect to the tool body about a hinge on the tool body.

40. The medical device according toclaim 1 wherein the manipulator tool at the distal end includes an inferior jaw and a superior jaw.

41. The medical device according toclaim 40 further comprising:

a selector gear that pivots at least one of the inferior jaw and the superior jaw.

42. The medical device according toclaim 41 further comprising:

a pinion that controls a position of at least one of the inferior jaw and the superior jaw.

43. The medical device according toclaim 40 wherein at least one of the inferior jaw and the superior jaw include a transparent midsection.

44. The medical device according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a wireless interface device on the tool body for wirelessly transferring data or imaging.

45. The medical device according toclaim 44, wherein the imaging includes video imaging.

46. The medical device according toclaim 44, wherein the display is a self-contained system viewing screen mounted on the tool body.

47. The medical device according toclaim 46, wherein the wireless interface device wirelessly communicates with the self-contained system viewing screen.

48. The medical device according toclaim 44, wherein the wireless interface device transmits the data or imaging to an external receiver.

49. The medical device according toclaim 48, further comprising:

an external receiver,

wherein the external receiver includes at least one of a handheld unit, a Palm Pilot, a mobile phone, a Bluetooth device, an embedded device, a set top box, a TV, a computer, a custom device, a hospital screen, and a custom phone.

50. The medical device according toclaim 48, wherein the wireless interface device receives data or imaging from the external receiver.

51. The medical device according toclaim 50, further comprising:

an external receiver,

wherein the external receiver includes at least one of a handheld unit, a Palm Pilot, a mobile phone, a Bluetooth device, an embedded device, a set top box, a TV, a computer, a custom device, a hospital screen, and a custom phone.

52. The medical device according toclaim 44, further comprising:

an electronics panel including a plurality of buttons for controlling wireless transmission by the wireless interface device,

wherein a first button of the plurality of buttons initiates or terminates wireless transmission of secure video or data, and

wherein a second button of the plurality of buttons initiates or terminates wireless transmission of unsecure video or data.

53. The medical device according toclaim 1, further including a geometric arrangement of thermoelectric conversion units in the tool body.

54. The medical device according toclaim 1, further including a chemical cell or a hydrogen cell in the tool body.

55. The medical device according toclaim 1, further including a low power to high-power spark converter in the tool body.

56. The medical device according toclaim 1, wherein the display includes an automatically gyroscopically adjustable display.

57. The medical device according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of first optical fibers transmitting visible light, the plurality of first optical fibers disposed in the tool body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool body from the light emitting device to the distal end of the tool body; and

a plurality of second optical fibers transmitting laser radiation, the plurality of second optical fibers disposed in the tool body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool body from the light emitting device to the distal end of the tool body.

58. A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device, comprising:

a tool including:

a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, the tool body having a longitudinal axis,

a fixedly-attached hand-operated manipulator at the proximal end of the tool body, and

a fixedly-attached manipulator tool at the distal end of the tool body, the manipulator tool responsive to an operation of the hand-operated manipulator;

a light emitting device having a light generator disposed in the tool body at the proximal end, the light emitting device configured to emit light, which is generated by the light generator, at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the light emitting device disposed in the tool body;

an imaging device configured to capture images at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the imaging device disposed in the tool body; and

a helical arrangement of thermoelectric conversion units.

59. A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device, comprising:

a tool including:

a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, the tool body having a longitudinal axis,

a fixedly-attached hand-operated manipulator at the proximal end of the tool body, and

a fixedly-attached manipulator tool at the distal end of the tool body, the manipulator tool responsive to an operation of the hand-operated manipulator;

a light emitting device having a light generator disposed in the tool body at the proximal end, the light emitting device configured to emit light, which is generated by the light generator, at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the light emitting device disposed in the tool body;

an imaging device configured to capture images at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the imaging device disposed in the tool body;

a wireless interface device on the tool body for wirelessly transferring data or imaging; and

an electronics panel including a plurality of buttons for controlling wireless transmission by the wireless interface device,

wherein a first button of the plurality of buttons initiates or terminates wireless transmission of secure video or data, and

wherein a second button of the plurality of buttons initiates or terminates wireless transmission of unsecure video or data.

60. A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device, comprising:

a tool including:

a tool body having a proximal end and a distal end, the tool body having a longitudinal axis,

a fixedly-attached hand-operated manipulator at the proximal end of the tool body, and

a fixedly-attached manipulator tool at the distal end of the tool body, the manipulator tool responsive to an operation of the hand-operated manipulator;

a light emitting device having a light generator disposed in the tool body at the proximal end, the light emitting device configured to emit light, which is generated by the light generator, at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the light emitting device disposed in the tool body;

an imaging device configured to capture images at the distal end of the tool body of the tool, the imaging device disposed in the tool body;

a plurality of interior optical fibers for transmitting light including visible light or laser radiation, the plurality of interior optical fibers disposed in the tool body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool body; and

a plurality of exterior optical fibers for transmitting light including visible light or laser radiation, the plurality of exterior optical fibers extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool body;

wherein at least some of the exterior optical fibers or the interior optical fibers terminate at elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors, the elliptical semi-enclosed directive reflectors being electronically or mechanically positioned.

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